I haven't been on Amtrak for close to 20 years. I decided I wanted to ride to Indiana in comfort plus my ticket was non-stop to my destination. What I thought would be a seamless and shorter ride than the South Shore train it didn't turn out how I expected. My Amtrak train was very late. I ended up waiting in the train station an extra hour or two for my train. Once I got on the train I was able to relax a bit. The train ride itself was nice and comfortable. At night they dim the lights until the morning so people can sleep. There's also food available on the train but I didn't have time to try it. Overall, it was a great experience. I would do it again! read more

Amtrak - Trains Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Over 45 minute delay waiting for a freight train twice. Passenger trains should take priority and we were never told how long the delays would be or when we would arrive read more

#Amtrak is a joke. Their customer service is nonexistent. It takes hours to get a representative on the phone. You have to leave a message for a call back and when they do call back many hours later you might be on hold for an hour before anyone picks up. Their online booking will change your reservation details without notifying you. It appears that you have to call them once you receive your etickes and make sure that what you selected and paid for online is what they actually gave you. We booked tickets for disabled specifically requesting lower level online. They emailed the tickets, they did not indicate either upper or lower level, but we checked lower level during the booking process and at no time did they ever say that they were giving us upper level and the disabled person would have to climb stairs. Now all they can say is "your ticket doesn't say lower level". Well, it doesn't say upper level either. Having never used #Amtrak before, it never occurred to me that they let you book one way and then change it without notice or that, since you can not reserve seats in advance, they would specifically state which level you were on (but only if it was the lower level). I was told by one representative that it has been their experience that you should double and triple check your tickets from them and even then you should call them to verify that they are correct. Wow. My sister actually did call and discussed her disability and the need for accommodation, she was assured that any assistance would be given and any accommodations would be made, they didn't tell her that we had been switched to the upper level non disabled seat. When she boarded the train in Memphis no one from #Amtrak even bothered to assist in carrying her oxygen equipment up the stairs. She was helped by other passengers. Now #Amtrak is saying that they will be happy to accommodate her disability and allow her to sit on the lower level for the return trip if we upgrade to a room for an additional $500. WTF kind of racket is this?!? You change our reservations so you can get $500 more from us? How is this even right?!? I would NEVER recommend #Amtrak to anyone. You would be better off on a bus or just staying at home. My sister requires oxygen from lung damage sustained from COVID-19 last spring. In order to qualify for her insurance to provide her with a portable oxygen machine, even though she has been declared permanently and totally disabled, she has to be oxygen dependent for two years. Airlines will not allow you to travel with canisters on the plane. This is why she was on the train. read more

Amtrak's "new" business class seats are unbelievably uncomfortable--hard as a rock, with no recline or footrests. The only real difference from coach is that some seats have awkwardly positioned tables. It's hard to believe Amtrak went back to the drawing board and still ended up with the failure that is the Siemens Venture cars. My neck has been hurting for three days because of this design. Amtrak, please do better. read more

After 18+ months of not using the Hiawatha service between Chicago and Milwaukee, it was great to get back on board. Everyone was masked, loads of sanitizer, adequate space...all good. But best of all, seeing the conductors who are professional, congenial, smart, and helpful. It'll be interesting to see what the new infrastructure resources do to improve the condition of the aging passenger cars. read more

First time on Amtrak! I feel like Amtrak is probably one of the least publicized modes of transportation (even less than Greyhound), so I didn't think of this as something I would do traveling from St. Louis to Chicago and back. Glad I did though because I will definitely take Amtrak in the future for short-haul trips. Here are some of my favorite parts: - The seats are actually extremely nice, especially the new carts. It can be comparable to a bad airline business class due to its spaciousness and leg room. Also, the seats can lean pretty far back without bothering the people behind you which is always nice. - Yes it is slow but the prices are extremely affordable ($50 round trip) and there is free Internet and places where you can charge your phone. - Unlike the airport where you have to arrive 1+ hour in advance, you can literally just walk up to the train 10 minutes beforehand. - Hypothetically you could bring as many bags as you would like/can carry as long as they can fit in the overhead compartment. I will admit that the bathrooms are pretty terrible, but I think any rides on the Amtrak up to 6 hours, definitely something I will think about using in the future. Next time I will definitely check out their observation and dining cart. read more

My wife and I traveled to Chicago from KC and back on the Southwest Chief. While we enjoyed the style of travel, both trains had issues that made the trip less than desirable. We were in a roomette on the ride up and the dining car was non functioning. So no meals. They did offer sandwiches. Then on the return trip the ventilation in our car was broken. So it was incredibly stuffy and warm. read more

One of the worst rides I've been on and I'm not talking roller coaster. First off they keep the ac on at night knowing it's cold outside, there bathrooms are super gross make sure to take Clorox wipes to clean the dirty seats. I understand people got to go out for a smoke but if your traveling with family or kids I suggest you take a flight because the green that's smoked on the train is pretty loud. The timing for there arrival is way off so if you have family picking you up let them know they will be a few hours behind. Overall worse experience ever never again will I or any family member take the train. I hope this helps you guys out a real good update on this Amtrak take a flight it's almost the same price. read more

I really enjoy taking the train. Two years ago I flew out to Las Vegas for a business meeting and booked Amtrak from Bakersfield, CA home. It was a very good trip. They has just ended the mask mandate which make the trip even better. The trip to Portland was good. The sites were great. The Empire Builder was good, but the Chicago based woman who was working the cafeteria was really working it for her retire plan. she would allow one person at a time come in and select their purchase and STRONGLY suggested that you add a tip to the purchase. (this is like a convenience store when is the last time you tipped the cashier at Stop N Go) It was working the dining car on my trip last month .... Not just the bill but how much do you want to tip? OH well. It is kind of funny but I have never not tipped a waiter. One thing the folks working the Amtrak routes could really benefit from a bit of training from those staff of Trump International Hotel & Tower® Chicago or the TRUMP International Hotel Las Vegas. The customer is appreciated not just an income source. read more

Amtrak - Trains Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Amtrak has a monopoly on trains in America, and it shows. I have never been on a train that was late once while in Europe or Asia. Almost every time I ride an Amtrak it is late. And they do not offer refunds for most circumstances, even when you are hours late and missed a connection. Bad company, bad service. read more

Union Station needs to do better!!! I was here November 2024,December 2024, and there's always an issue!! I'm here today ,January 27,25 waiting on train 1333 scheduled to depart at 11:05 and of course there's an hour delay!!! And the gentleman who delivered the news of the delay is rude,unapproachable, and shouldn't be working with the public!!! I never have these issues at any other station or airport!! Granted some things are out of the stations control, but the things Union can control, please do better!!! Dissatisfied Customer!!!!! read more

We left Chicago from here with 14 middle school kids and they were fantastic. We weren't officially a group, but they kept us all together and had us line up together is a separate queue. We boarded the fully booked train first to ensure we were all seated together. They were so helpful. read more

We traveled for the first time and it was an amazing experience. We had a private room which included all meals and drinks. We waited in the VIP Lounge prior to departure and from the start, everyone was inviting, caring, and professional. Alex was a wonderful train concierge/attendant. Flavio and another dining host was also awesome. From the conductors to the entire staff, everyone was kind. The only take away was that Amtrak does not have WIFI which was surprising -but we used our own hotspot which worked out fine. read more

The Amtrak station here in the windy as at least nicer than the basic and essentially an outside platform back in Royal Oak In Michigan. I will say that it's a convenient way to get to Chicago and back if you I have the time for a leisurely trip there and all. It should take about 6 hours, but the few times I have take this route it's always taken about 9+ hours. I can't ever come to Chicago and not come here via the train if time permits. Since the traffic into the city is enough to make me want to pull out my hair at times. It's never bit rush hour there. I had some friends come in from Scotland and Coventry a while back. But as per usual I took the most painful Amtrak train from Royal Oak on the 9 hour train that should have only taken 6 hours at most, oh well, that's Amtrak for you. This is what the future of technology has yielded after almost 2 centuries since the first steam passenger train. Proves the trains are owned by the cargo companies, right? read more

Absolutely the rudest interaction I've had with an Amtrak employee and I've dealt with many as I traveled by train across America. Dismissive, no explanation, zero customer service. The lady handling the counter felt like she didn't want to be there and gave zero sh*ts. My man at the parcel check was great though. read more

Amtrak shuts down service if it snows or gets below freezing. Don't ever even try to take the train in the winter. They won't refund my cancellation fee either. Better to drive!! read more

It brings a smile to me that America has trains. I took the Empire Builder from Chicago to Portland. The train arrived about an hour early in Portland. The online ticketing works well, but the user interface could be improved. Chicago Union Terminal is a beautiful neo-classical building and an associated 70s? below ground concourse and services. With all the excellent Chicago architecture, this interior and exterior levels up The great hall is Travertine with some unusual statues representing day and night. There is a lounge for first class passengers with showers, that was not me, but I would consider it. I had 4-5 hours transition time, so I inexpensively checked my carry-on bag in the Amtrak bag check. There was a food court, mostly boring chains, I didn't explore the nearby Chicago area for food - no doubt it's better than the food court! There was one vendor with carry on salads and sandwiches. I would recommend the art museum if you have time to catch it by car service or taxi. The great hall is echo central, so there was some confusion about where to line up for the particular train. The Chicago terminal has a large concourse with many tracks. Boarding was easy. The coach staff was excellent and low key. There is a lounge car accessible to all. I would assume it is the only option for private cabin riders to talk to travelers beyond the diner car. Though first class cabins are a higher price, they include meals. The lounge/observation car was never crowded. It had a lower cafe-deli. Minus, hot water is only sold by the cup! But there was a tap for cold water. I decided to test the dinner in the diner car. The coach staff ask when you want a reservation and your are randomly paired with other diners. The food staff, in the observation car and the diner car, were senior Amtakers, and all had a great sense of humor! I had a very tasty flat iron steak on a real plate, but the cups were plastic. The service was relaxed in a good way as I enjoy dinner conversation. I did not know Amtrak allows dogs. There was an interesting group of travelers with their pit bull mixes, these individual ones chill. Every smoker stop, they would disembark to do their thing. Somewhere along the way, I left my hat on the seat, while carrying the things I could not lose to the observation car, and that hat went missing. Not important, just interesting. So the habit of keeping items difficult to replace in arm's reach or closer from developing country travel worked out. It didn't feel like it was needed, but it was needed. It seemed like the cabin crowd were retirees, and the coach crowd had some students visiting family. I was surprised people weren't more conversational. I did have an interesting conversation with a military person who went from doing something in Afghanistan to doing something with nuclear missiles. One cabin mate had to process in real time the death of their father by phone with family. Other train countries I've found more conversation. But flying, it's only been a small percentage with whom I've had amazing conversations, and those few have been amazing. This was more flying-style. For coach, I would bring a blanket and a pillow, or a small inflatable camping mattress to more comfortably sleep. The toilets were like an airplane. Some cars were better than others. The travelers kept the restrooms clean overall. The crew kept us informed of freight delays. Amtrak shares the track with them, unlike other countries. Around Spokane, the Portland- and Seattle-bound cars split. It was late night, but we had been seated to sleep through it. From East to West, the scenery is not that interesting in the day. Because the train built dozens of cities and towns, the mobile phone service was available intermittently in a usable way for mail and sometimes the awesome https://www.amtrak.com/track-your-train.html. This train does not have WiFi. Take these long haul trains before they disappear! read more

Traveling by train is the absolute best. If you've never done it and always drive or even fly, consider Amtrak travel. It's SO peaceful. Let me list out the benefits: Easy, no high-level stress boarding process Only need to be 30 minutes early prior to departure Two free checked bags (50lbs each) CHEAP. Fares of course vary by distance, popularity, time. They have senior student and Triple AAA discounts There is wifi on board!!!! Outlets next to every two seats. Usually very quiet in the cars You can get up and move around I wish I could take the train everywhere. Trust me and just do it, it's wonderful. read more

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If I could give zero ratings I would. This company basically scammed me out of $70. I called Amtrak to confirm that they have auto trains that run to Houston and he confirmed and walked me step by step in purchasing my ticket , after I purchased my ticket for my selected destination with my vehicle, I noticed there isn't any info regarding the auto train . I then called Amtrak to see why isn't any car info listed, the manager DAVID proceeded to say that the trains only travel to Virginia and Florida, Long story short I didn't get insurance because I knew I wasn't going to miss this train, but they're charging me a cancelation fee of $70 Because they let me book a train that they didn't have read more

This was really a terrible experience trying to figure out how to board train 364 BlueWater from Chicago Union Station to East Lansing, Michigan. There was a group of at least 30 people stumbling from the Great Hall through multiple hallways trying to find the South Boarding Gate. Literally no signage to help identify where the gate is or how to get there. I ended up asking random baggage handlers (employees in the Red coats) where to go. Any one in a Amtrak uniform was less than helpful. Thank goodness I wasn't traveling with a disability or a young family. read more

Hey Amtrak! I can't thank you enough for stranding me in a city cause my train was late, and not providing a shuttle or any other accommodation despite us only being 45 minutes behind, and I've had shuttles catch up on delays of seven hours before! EXTRA thanks for saying the next train wouldn't be until Friday, and giving me a big ol "Too sad for you" instead of at all trying to help. EXTRA EXTRA THANKS for telling my mom it was HER fault and making her cry over the phone, and that you guys didn't have responsibility or even a crumb of fault in the whole ordeal. Im now waiting to get my train back to where I had just come from, to take a plane. And guess what? That train is delayed too, despite originating here! This is definitely one of the best services our great nation had to offer. read more

I must compliment Robyn during my trip from Chicago to LA on October 5, 2024 on Southwest Chief, car #330, sleeper car.He was friendly, courteous, efficient!! Made my trip very pleasant read more

Absolute disaster! The text message reminders and in-person staff provide conflicting instructions, no signage on trains or buildings, no track numbers posted, nobody to answer questions/direct passengers near or on the train, no confirmation or ticket scanning until the train has departed and it is too late if you are on the wrong train. I was waiting in the assigned area when a person walked through the aisles yelling "All 305 Lincoln passengers head south" when passengers looked at the person confused, they yelled "through the black doors to the right" I asked for a track number and they said just go south. Wound up in the wrong train and there was nobody there to answer questions. The train left the station a few minutes before the departure time and then I was rudely told that I'm on the "completely wrong train headed in the wrong direction." I tried to call a local friend to get help and I was yelled at again for making a call in the quiet car. Terrible experience, hope I never have to use track again. read more

Worst trip I've ever taken. Booked a room on the Empire Builder through to Seattle. First class ticket (and price) so I had " free " meals in the Dining Car. Good food and dining room service although breakfast and lunch service were not well-organized: " first-come first-serve " translates to get there as soon as the first seating is announced and then take your chances, or wait until the dining cars are filled and then you can put your name on a wait list to be called (and pay attention to the fact that as the train moves, so do the dining hours, occasionally driven by future time zones). The bedroom is spacious enough, as accommodations aboard go - until the beds come down - then there is almost no maneuvering room. Beds are comfortable although the top bunk is claustrophobically close to the ceiling. The room was often overly-cold and there's little effective control over that. Luggage storage is OK for one or two small carry-ons. The first bedroom assigned had a persistent water leak from the sink that was diagnosed as unfixable until the train returned to Chicago; the interim fix was to try and shutoff water to the sink, which also somehow disabled the bathroom light. The following day I was moved to another bedroom. No leaky sink, and a working bathroom light, but not particularly clean. Room attendant seemed nice but overstretched. Biggest issue was the numerous unexplained delays. More than 2 hours at Minneapolis....why? Multiple power outages abord, concerns over the train engine power which ultimately forced an extended delay in Minot as the engine was swapped out. The café car couldn't be used because of credit card processing failures...So many unexplained problems and delays that on the eve of the final travel day they announced during dinner that the train would be terminating service in Spokane rather than Seattle and that all passengers would be bused to their final destinations from Spokane instead; at that point the train was nearly 11 hours behind schedule so taking a bus actually seemed like a faster conclusion to the nightmare. Until you realize that the architects of that plan were the same ones who couldn't get the train to Seattle: the buses are waiting at Spokane, one direct Seattle service (estimated to take 4 hours) and one local (to all the 5 towns missed on the way to Seattle, estimated to take 6-1/2 hours). No boarding considerations given for connections, pre-loaded checked baggage, class of tickets...just " first-come first-serve ". Logistical nightmare accompanied by cold Subway sandwiches. Never. Again. read more

I wish they had a menu or flyer to sho you where ever thing was at. How to adjust your seat. You need to bring a blanket because it's very cold on there. You need to be doped up with medicine so you want get sick. You need mask to cover your mouth and a shield to cover your face. I got sick coming back home from a trip. I had a guy behind be was coughing the whole trip. He had no mask on and very unconsidered that I was laying back sleep. He didn't cover his mouth or nothing. Amtrak don't check your temperature or to see if you have covid. I think they should do that. read more

The sh**iest service, the website doesnt make it clear if it is a train or bus- it only shows up after we make the booking. Will never travel again. read more

I have been on cross country trips numerous times including to California, DC, New Orleans, Austin, Santa Fe, and others. I have always had a great experience and great treatment. The food is better than you would have on an airline by far. You meet interesting people and get to see sights. Remember to bring layers because the train temperature can vary over the course of a day. The food service is great. You typically have four people to a booth and may meet other travelers in your booth as they are shared. The ask what time you want to eat and make reservations. It is your responsibility to book your time just like you would at any other accommodation so listen for meal announcements. It is a great way to travel, meet people, and see the country. read more

Amtrak coming and going out of Chicago gets 5 stars. The station itself is easy to find your way around. It has a food court upstairs. There are lots of seats while waiting. You are allowed a nice amount of carry-on (check for exact amount online). Once on the train the seats are reclining and comfortable. Throw bigger luggage overhead and keep smaller, personal items at your seat. There's a fold-out tray to eat on or use a laptop on or whatever. You can bring your own food and drinks or purchase from the dining car (note: it's pricey). Each car has a set of restrooms that can get a little smelly (expected on a moving train). Each section of seats has its own electrical outlet. There is free wifi. They ask that you use headphones when using electronic devices and so do I (someone didn't on one of my trains and he played rap for the entire car for 5 hours). If you forget headphones you can purchase them on the train (only $5). The train crew is friendly and helpful. I have never met a rude one. I love riding the train. It's convenient and cheap. It lets me sit back and relax while someone else takes me to my destination. read more

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DO NOT GET LOCKED IN THE TOILET b/c no one could hear you! There needs to be a button to call for help. A noisy train traveling on a rickety track makes it impossible for anyone outside the toilet to hear you clanking the door for help. What happened was the sliding mechanism got stuck. Maybe from the cold? IT didnt' want to slide and unlock, and even when I tried kicking the lock with my shoe, it didn't budge. Lucky for me, the door was metal, and I had a ring, and tapped S-O-S and finally someone said "What's that noise"?? I yelled "I'm inside here stuck" (insert laughter from the main cabin) and they got am Amtrak person to use some sort of sliding instrument to open the door. It took 20 minutes to get me out! Next time (if there is one) I will bring my cell phone. Or, not pee on the train ride. The ride from Chicago to St Louis, otherwise, was nice as they had power outlets but no wifi which failed. read more

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I don't know how to express the amount of discontent I feel because Amtrak has made me waste time and money. My son had a last-minute trip and I called Amtrak customer service to ask if he could travel with his bass guitar on board as a carry-on. The agent on the phone gave me a firm "no." I explained that it was a delicate instrument and asked if there were exceptions like airlines make for air travel. And the agent insisted that the answer was "no" that it would have to be checked in. I scrambled for two days searching to find him a case strong enough for travel as a checked in bag and that would protect his instrument, Having to order one from out-of-state because they do not sell them locally. I ended up spending close to $300 on said case. And then, on the date of his travel, we checked in the instrument and proceeded to the gate only to see another Amtrak passenger board the same train as my son with their own bass guitar as a carry-on. As a parent, both time and money are extremely valuable to me, and I had to sacrifice both because either the agent on the phone, informed me incorrectly, or didn't know how to do his job, or the agents at the train station did not care enough to make the other passenger check in their bag as they should have. I'm happy for the passenger, who did not have to spend his money, good for him, but I'm pretty much pissed at Amtrak. read more

Awful! If I could give less than one star, I would. Do yourself a favor and buy the plane tickets. Attendants were rude and unhelpful. No one was able to answer questions and when they did, we were given conflicting answers. We rode almost 28 hours with no air conditioner and the train losing power periodically along the journey. We should have known this was going to be awful when we got to the station and were told we had to carry our bags up 2 flights of stairs because the elevator was broken...again. Oh, forgot to mention, we were in the lower level with individuals with disabilities...not once did anyone check on these individuals to see if they needed anything. Deplorable! read more

I stayed in a roommette....for trips longer than 24 hours I would recommend it, but I can not say it was worth the money, for what you get it really is over priced...However, my main complaint and what compelled me to leave a review was the stains on the mattress...while preparing for bed one of the mattresses came out of the bed sheet and it was completely covered in yellow stains which I naturally assume was from PISS...for $600 Amtrak doesn't replace mattresses?!?! read more

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I never thought I'd said this but I prefer Greyhound. I've hopped ftieght trains illegally before and I prefer that. I for some naive reason, I was excited the try it out. But was reminded that this is a bottle of the barrel shit job run by people who hate their lives. I was yelled at several times when asking responsible questions. My entire car/boot got skipped at one of the only breaks. ITS NOT CHEAP. IF YOU CAN, SCAM THEM. TAKE THWIR MONEY ANS THINGS. FOR ALL I CARE AMOKE INSIDE. PS: YALL LOAT TO GREYHOUND! EPIC LOSS. HAHAHAHAHA read more

Amtrak - Trains Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I developed a scratchy throat over the duration of the Texas to Illinois train ride and I'm pretty certain its due to this filthy vent blowing moldy air on me. Also the seats are extremely uncomfortable. read more

Amtrak - Filthy vent right in front of my seat - Trains Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

First time taking Amtrak, last time taking Amtrak. Train left Chicago on time at 7:10pm and was over 2 hours late to St Louis. Communication on the train itself was awful. Staff didn't know anything, and based on their responses, delays are the norm not the exception. My time is too valuable to waste on this nonsense. read more

My wife and I thought we would take a romantic and nostalgia train ride on the Texas Eagle from Dallas to Chicago. We found the private room that we paid $900 for, to be worse than the worst motel we've ever stayed in. From the 1970's filth and grime, to the prison cell style mattresses. Our room felt more like a prison cell than a "luxury" private room. I am 6', 250lbs, and I couldn't fit in the private bathroom. The "gourmet" meals were nothing more than a tv dinner served in an aluminum foil tray after what I assume was a microwave reheat. This was the most disappointing trip I have ever been on and was a complete waste of money. I suggest that Amtrak modernize their fleet and hire employees that actually care about customer service. I only wish I could have given this a lower rating. I hope that anyone reading this takes heed, and sticks to air travel. read more

Wish I could give a lower rating. My family had a misunderstanding about our room and the staff were unhelpful and rude. I felt like we were not treated with good customer service or respect. We took the train from Chicago to Flagstaff and we delayed by almost 5 hours. The train stopped multiple times and went 20 mph many times. Wasted 3k and precious time. Do better Amtrak! read more

NO football on tv on Christmas at the Metropolitan Lounge!! Little house on the Prairie??? So sad. Top dollar for silence. Lounge is beautiful and clean. Quiet! Comfortable! Plug ins! Snacks, ( not like you need them because Amtrak feeds you good food. No football!!! read more

This is a review of the station, and not of Amtrak's trains or train travel in general. The station itself is mammoth, with winding corridors and multiple levels. The signage, unfortunately, does not exactly keep up with the complexity of the building. The helpful staff and employees however, do make it possible to get where you need to go with minimal stress. I would recommend asking for help on how to get to your train if you are at all confused. read more

Took the empire to Chicago it arrived almost 8 hrs late had to stay in hotel that checked me out at 11am to go back to station for a train that didn't leave till 7:00. No meal vouchers even though we were first class. read more